Retirements in 2001

Jimmy Harney
After a distinguished career with Sligo County Council, which spanned over five decades, Jimmy Harney retired in July 2001. Jimmy held the position of Senior Engineer with Sligo County Council for forty-one years – an extraordinary record. He served as Chief Adviser to five County Engineers and ended his career as the last County Engineer, the post being abolished on his retirement. 

- Jimmy Harney with his wife Evelyn

Jimmy a native of county Galway was educated at Saint Mary’s College, Galway and University College Galway, at which he was awarded a B.E. Degree in 1957. While in secondary school Jimmy played hurling with distinction and maintains his great love for the game and indeed for all sports but more especially for G.A.A. Jimmy played a major role in promoting hurling and football for some years in Sligo and was a very Active County Board member. While his first loyalty is to his native county, he takes great pride in the achievement of the present county Sligo football team.

Jimmy started his working career with Donegal County Council and then on to Louth County Council where he worked on major road schemes until he took up his post with Sligo County Council 1962. He has had a major input into the development of the infrastructure i.e. Roads, Sanitary, Housing, Environment and Planning throughout the whole county. When the Planning Act was introduced in 1970 Jimmy became Sligo’s first Planning Officer and prepared the first Development Plan for the county, which became the blue print for development throughout the county.

Jimmy’s great strength of character is his ability to work with people; he had a great relationship with the elected representatives, with all the staff and particularly with the outdoor staff all of who hold him with great affection. He continues to maintain in close contact with all his working and retired colleagues.

His contribution to those in need in Sligo over the past forty years deserves a special mention. He has two brothers and a sister in religious orders that have served on the Missions, and Jimmy has upheld that Christian spirit during his time in Sligo. He has been to the forefront in developing the North Western Hospice Unit in Sligo, he is a member and past president of Rotary, and is very actively involved with his wife Evelyn in his local parish community.

Jimmy and Evelyn have four children all of whom are in the medical profession, so they can be assured of the best care and attention in their advancing years. The latest addition to their family is their first grandchild Sara. Jimmy is a very promising golfer, and plays poker during the winter months in a tough school – real sharks – where Cool Hand Luke would have difficulty in holding his own.

All of the staff and retired fellow workers of Sligo County Council and his wide circle of friends wish Jimmy and Evelyn good health and a long life in their retirement.

Gura fada go mbeidh sibh in ar measc, is gura fada buan, bhur saothar ar son Mhuintir Shligigh. Sean Stewart

Retirements in 2001
Sligo County Council extends its appreciation to the staff who retired in 2001 for the valuable service they gave to this authority.

Patrick Gaffney - Plant Operator, Frank Gleeson - County Engineer

Martin Davey - Clerical Officer, J.P. Feeney - Rate Collection

Joseph Moran - Labourer, Jimmy Harney - Senior Executive Engineer

A.P. McConnell - Finance Officer, Joe Maguire - Senior Caretaker

Padraig Scanlon - Ganger, Hugh Keaveney - Plant Opereator

Peter Patton - Ganger, Gerard Fox - Craftsman

Deceased in 2001
Sligo County Council also remembers former staff who passed away during 2001.

Thomas McMunn, Stephen Sheridan, Anthony Pettipiece Thomas J Kielty, Alex O’Connor, Patrick Wymbs, Patrick Meehan, Ann O’Connor, Brigid Herity, Noel Farrell, J. P. Feeney.